18 Jun 2007 | Ref. 183/2007
Farnborough, United Kingdom. - Stealth technology developed for the defence industry is being trialled for potential future integration in the turbine blades of wind farms to prevent interference with radar.
Wind turbines present a large electrical obstacle at typical radar frequencies which can be detected up to 150 miles away. As part of a two and a half year DTI initiative, BAE Systems is working with one of the world leaders in wind technology, Vesta, to use Radar Absorbing Materials (RAM) - traditionally used to prevent radar detection of military aircraft and ships – within wind turbine blades.
The technology, applied as a layer to the traditional composite fibre glass material of the blades, prevents the turbines affecting the radar systems of passing aircraft.
Government environmental targets aim to produce 20% of the nation’s electricity from renewable resources by 2020. The majority of this energy is expected to come from wind power, so it is vital that electric charges given off by turbines can be neutralised to prevent them interfering with nearby air traffic control and national security radar systems.
Alan Watson, business development manager for the Advanced Technology Centre within BAE Systems, said: “Wind farm planning applications are often rejected because of their interference with radar. This is clearly debilitating to the drive to meet renewable energy targets. We’re able to apply our expertise and technology from the military arena to offer advice and solutions enabling the continued development and deployment of wind energy operations.”
The stealth blade concept has been developed, tested and proven in laboratories, with the blade component itself due for testing at the end of September. As well as incorporating technology into the turbine blades themselves, BAE Systems is also tackling the problem by developing an Advanced Digital Tracker (ADT), a filter that can be added to new and existing radar systems, blocking out wind farm interference.
John Overton, Assistant Director of the 2010 Target Team DTI said: “We are delighted to be the catalyst in exploiting the combined resources and technologies of this team to address a major issue within the wind turbine market.”
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is a global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 88,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £13.7 billion pounds sterling (US25.4 billion dollars) in 2006.
Notes to editors
Due to its operational knowledge and understanding of the technologies involved, BAE Systems is now able to apply its experience to the assessment on the impact of wind farm placement. The consultancy can bring tangible benefits at each stage of the wind farm life cycle, from site selection and project feasibility to planning application and finally in construction and operation. The capabilities offered extend to providing expert witness statements at planning inquiries and proof of evidence to support proposed projects.
For more information please contact:
John Neilson, BAE Systems
Tel: + 44 (0) 1252 384795 Mob: + 44 (0)7802 337704
john.neilson@baesystems.com
David Morris, Euro RSCG Biss Lancaster
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7467 9232 Mob: +44 (0) 7957 200 458
david.morris@bisslancaster.com
Issued by:
BAE Systems, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 6YU, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1252 384710 Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947
www.baesystems.com
